In 2016, the global imports of sunglasses totaled 261K tonnes, going up by 4% against the previous year figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% from 2007 to 2016- the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010, an increase of 14% from the previous year level. Over the period under review, global sunglasses imports reached its maximum volume in 2016, and are likely to continue its growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, sunglasses imports totaled $9.5B in 2016. Overall, it indicated a strong increase from 2007 to 2016: the total imports value increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. Based on the result of 2016, sunglasses imports increased by +78.9% against its level of 2009. Global sunglasses import peaked in 2016, and are expected to retain its growth in the near future.

Top Sunglasses Importing Countries in the World

1. USA (2,413.2 million USD)

2. United Kingdom (553.3 million USD)

3. China, Hong Kong SAR (548.4 million USD)

4. France (527.5 million USD)

5. Italy (509.8 million USD)

6. Germany (400.7 million USD)

7. Canada (369.3 million USD)

8. China (341.0 million USD)

9. Spain (323.9 million USD)

10. Netherlands (196.7 million USD)

Sunglasses Imports By Country

In 2016, China (111K tonnes) represented the main importer for sunglasses, constituting 43% of total imports. It was distantly followed by the U.S. (31K tonnes), comprising 12% share of total sunglasses imports. The UK (9K tonnes), China, Hong Kong SAR (9K tonnes), Spain (8.2K tonnes), Germany (6.4K tonnes), Canada (5.8K tonnes), France (5.6K tonnes), Italy (5K tonnes), and the Netherlands (4.5K tonnes) held the minor share of total imports.

China experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. At the same time, the Netherlands (+19.2%), the U.S. (+19.2%), Canada (+17.0%), China, Hong Kong SAR (+11.1%), Spain (+10.8%), Italy (+3.6%), Germany (+3.1%), the UK (+2.7%), and France (+2.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the Netherlands emerged as the fastest growing importer/exporter in the world, with a CAGR of +19.2% from 2007-2016. While the share of Canada (-1.7%), Spain (-1.9%), China, Hong Kong SAR (-2.1%), and the U.S. (-9.3%) decreased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the U.S. ($2.4B) constitutes the largest market for imported sunglasses worldwide, making up 25% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by the UK ($553M), with the share of 6% of global imports. It was followed by China, Hong Kong SAR, with the share of 6%.

In the U.S., sunglasses imports stood at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the period from 2007-2016. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the UK (+7.2% per year) and China, Hong Kong SAR (+10.2% per year).

Sunglasses Import Prices By Country

In 2016, the average import price for sunglasses amounted to $36 per kg, coming up by 2% against the previous year. Over the period from 2007 to 2016 it increased at an average annual rate of +2.2%.The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2010, an increase of 12% from the previous year level. Over the period under review, average sunglasses import price attained its maximum level of $37 per kg in 2014- however, from 2015 to 2016, it stood at a somewhat lower level.

There were significant differences in the average import prices amongst major importing countries. In 2016, the country with the highest import prices was Italy ($102 per kg), while China ($3,065 per tonne) was among the lowest.

From 2007 to 2016, the most notable growth rate of sunglasses import prices was attained by China (+24.1% per year), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

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All data provided in this article covers the following product: HS Code 9004 - Spectacles, goggles and the like- corrective, protective or other.